So this is Christmas – what have you done?

And so it begins … the Christmas season is upon us. Yahooooo! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Christmas – I love living in Ontario for Christmas … seeing the white fluffy snow fall … snuggling indoors with a warm fire and an old Christmas classic movie … family get-togethers and friends sharing the joy … oh, it’s just wonderful.

But it is at this delightful time of year that my heart turns towards those who are having a hard time finding joy this Christmas season. And for this moment, my heart is hurting for the women of La Tienda.

If you have been following this blog for a while, you will know all about La Tienda. If not, click here for a quick background

Today, I received an e-mail from Rachel Sticklee, the brains and complete awesomeness behind La Tienda, humbly asking for a little help – the truth of the matter is there is not enough money being made right now to pay the wages. Rachel is hoping things will pick up after January, but right now – this season – they are having very hard financial times.

The women are working very hard on their jewelry …

We just need to get some more funding over there and soon … of course, this low point direclty affects their children.

Basically, no wages = no food … and also means, no Christmas for these beautiful children.

Children who won’t be getting  a warm meal – let alone a toy or a gift – for Christmas on December 25th.

Out of all the children I have ever met, these are the children that most deserve and NEED some Christmas joy …

If you are like me, you have never had to go hungry – especially on Christmas Day – as a child, I’ve never woke up to find out that Christmas day was nothing special … no food, no toys, no joy …

I’ve been so blessed. My children have been blessed. And it’s time to spread that blessing to La Tienda.

How can you help? Take $10 from your Christmas budget and instead of buying Polly Pockets or Zhu Zhu pets or an extra set of Legos this Christmas, send the money to the women of La Tienda.

It’s very hard to ship supplies and items to them – the mail is not reliable … so the most direct, best way to suppor them right now is financially.
All you have to do is paypal $10 to La Tienda (send it to raquel@latienda.ca). Rachel has come up with a super cute idea of turning old ties into stuffed snakes … and with your donation, this will mean the children of their village will receive a snake for Christmas this year … their one and only present ….

Let’s spread a little Christmas joy to those who haven’t any in such a long, long time …

It’s really the least we could do right now.

November 12, 2010 - 10:13 pm

Connie My heart is with these beautiful babies and their families this season, thanks for the info..will dontate right away!!

November 12, 2010 - 1:33 pm

Sherri I’m sorry I couldn’t give more at this time, being unemployed since April, but I sent what I had saved in my PayPal account (was not sure what to spend it on so had just left it there). It’s not much, but I hope it will be of help to Rachel and the ladies. Thanks for reminding us of those with such great need.

November 12, 2010 - 11:39 am

Lori Thanks for reminding us of just how blessed we all are and how a little money will really help these families.
I hope my donation will help bring a smile to someone face on christmas morning.

November 12, 2010 - 10:39 am

Sarah So touching Gillian! Thank you for your heart warming blog and for sharing this! I have donated and spread the word! ♥

November 12, 2010 - 10:38 am

Sarah So touching Gillian, thank you for your beautiful blog and for sharing this! I have donated and spread the word! ♥

November 12, 2010 - 10:19 am

Ginger I found your site through a facebook mention by one of my friends. I was searching for a place to give this holiday season. Thank you for showing me…

November 12, 2010 - 9:47 am

Tabitha Oh Gillian – I used to work a lot in the Dominican Republic, and have seen this poverty first hand. We’re going to make this donation as a family, each of us giving $10 – thank you for such a touching and responsible post.

November 12, 2010 - 9:41 am

Samantha Fizzard This was so touching Gillian! I will be making a donation right now as well

November 12, 2010 - 8:56 am

Jen Thank you for sharing this story. I have donated as well.

November 12, 2010 - 12:36 am

Holly ohhhh tears pouring down my face makes it hard to type my paypal in! If those babies were our babies, if those mamas were our own mama, we would do sooo much greater than $10…thank you for sharing your heart and this need

November 12, 2010 - 12:35 am

Holly Ohhh tears pouring down my face, I cant see to type my paypal in! If those babies were our babies, if those mamas were our mamas, we would do so much more than $10…will be passing this on for sure to all our mamas! Thanks for sharing your heart

November 12, 2010 - 12:01 am

Mich Helping out La Tienda women and their families really is what the spirit of the season is all about. I am going to paypal right now to do my part. I pray others will be able to do so as well.

November 11, 2010 - 11:07 pm

megan So true Gillian 🙂 Going to my paypal account right now. Thanks for this beautiful reminder, it’s easy to forget how blessed we really are.

November 11, 2010 - 11:06 pm

Tonya Wow…I’ll spread the word. The pics are just so touching. Beautiful. I would frame some for my living room.

November 11, 2010 - 11:06 pm

Brenda (Gillian’s Mom) Oh Gillian, this is such a heart wrenching Blog!! You put it “straight up” – I am going right to La Tienda Pay Pal to give my share!! I hope and pray other readers will know that God wants us to share beyond what we are already sharing! I know some of us might say “I already support other causes” but really???? Just $10 and just once! This is an urgent plea and God will bless every giver!! Bless you Gillian for asking!!! xo